Wrecked (Josie Gray Mysteries #3)(25)

Otto said, “Since you have limited background on Mr. Reese I can tell you he’s a respected member of the community. We have no reason to suspect him of wrongdoing. He is in a committed relationship—”

Hardner interrupted, “With Chief Gray, no less.”

Otto continued without pause, “—and we have circumstantial evidence piling up that points to a kidnapping.”

Unable to remain quiet any longer, Josie pitched her pencil onto the conference table. “I don’t care for your condescending attitude, Mr. Hardner. I called you as a professional courtesy. I would expect the same of you. If your purpose was to come here and treat me like a witness, raise my ire, see if you could trick me into sharing something important, then I’ll save you the time. We have virtually nothing to go on.” She paused, dialed her temper down a notch. “A murder has been committed and a man has most likely been kidnapped from our community. Both of these victims deserve every resource that we can give them.”

He stared at Josie, obviously weighing his response.

“I hope you’ll share information from your indictment and allow us to talk as professionals. I hope our two offices can work together to share what could be vital information to both of us,” she said.

He pursed his lips and cocked his head as if properly chastised. “Never intended to get off on the wrong foot here. I will certainly provide what I can, as long as you understand the absolute necessity for confidentiality.”

“That’s understood.”

“Here’s what I don’t want to happen. I don’t want you conducting an investigation into Wally Follet’s business that will jeopardize a case that goes to the grand jury in a month. We’ve spent six months investigating and I plan to nail the bastard.”

Otto said, “Our case involves a murder and a missing person. We’ll respect your time, and we’ll do nothing to interfere with your indictment. However, if you have something that will help us understand why Dillon Reese is missing and his secretary is dead…?” Otto shrugged and left the obvious unsaid.

Hardner held a hand in the air as if surrendering. “It’s a fairly cut-and-dried indictment. A junkyard operator buys totaled cars from insurance companies and sells them across the border to Mexican buyers. These companies rebuild the cars and sell them off with a clean title. Granted, he wasn’t fabricating the titles, but he was part of the business operation that was. Wally was getting by until we discovered he’s also selling stolen cars across the border, where they switch out the VINs and titles and send back a car with a clean history.”

“So, it’s a federal crime because he’s selling the cars to Mexico, correct?” Otto asked.

“You got it. He’s sold stolen cars across state lines and the national border.” He smiled. “That’s why my office was graced with the likes of Wally Follet.”

“Is he reselling the so-called clean cars in the U.S.?” Josie asked.

“We don’t have anything concrete, but I believe so. He appears to buy wrecked cars and sells to buyers in Mexico.”

“So, the indictment is for selling stolen cars across the border. And that’s it?”

Hardner tipped his head slightly and smiled. “We’ve also tried to find a connection to guns or drugs. He’s either really slick, or he’s just what he says he is—a used car dealer.”

“A stolen car dealer,” Josie said.

Hardner ignored her comment. “That’s really about it. No more complicated than that. We have proof Wally took possession of stolen cars. We know he worked with an outside shipper, but we haven’t been able to track down the company yet. At this point, I’ll settle for Wally. And Mr. Reese’s accounting records can make all of this cleaner for the jury. Transaction amounts and key dates will seal the case for us.”

“Were you planning on involving local law enforcement at some point?” Josie asked.

“No, ma’am.” Hardner gave her a condescending smile. “We already believe someone tipped Wally off about the indictment and he took off. My experience has been the fewer people involved, the better.”

“How did that work out for you?” she asked.

Otto quickly cut off the exchange. “And you’re going ahead with the indictment?”

“Absolutely. We’ll try him in absentia.”

“Who’s taking care of the business while he’s away?” she said.

“Left his eighteen-year-old son to run the business and deal with the feds. Follet’s a real sweetheart.”

“I take it you don’t think much of Mr. Follet,” Otto said.

“He’s a greasy wise guy who fits every stereotype in the book. You want a Ford? He’ll sell you a Chevy just to prove he can.” He narrowed his eyes and pointed a finger at Otto. “The truth? He thinks he’s a brilliant negotiator, but he makes terrible decisions.”

“Are there others involved in his business? Partners?” Josie asked.

“We’ve looked but can’t find partners. Just his boy. I don’t think the kid’s smart enough to steal a pack of bubble gum though. It’s a one-man operation as far as we can tell.”

He stood and leaned over the table to shake Josie’s hand, and then turned to Otto. Josie and Otto stood as well. “It’s been a pleasure. Obviously we’ll want the records from Mr. Reese’s office as soon as you have things cleaned up here. We’ll get the subpoena together.” He paused and offered a solemn frown that came across to Josie as insincere. “And, be assured, if I hear anything that could help in clearing up your cases you’ll get the call from me immediately.”